Kopecky Family Band - Kids Raising Kids - Red Light

It’s not always easy for young bands to channel their youthful exuberance and still come away with a finished product that’s as representative as their intentions. For most bands, it usually takes a few records. But in the case of Kids Raising Kids, the debut full-length from the Nashville based Kopecky Family Band, the highly energized six-piece hit their target and then some. And that’s not to say that the Kopecky Family Band hasn’t taken some time to formulate their sound.

They released a standout EP in 2011 and toured with a relentless desire to have their music heard by anyone and everyone willing to listen. They’ve earned their fans to this point, and new fans will be easy to find with the release of Kids Raising Kids.

What’s so impressive about Kids Raising Kids is the musical range that the Kopecky Family Band showcases, and how well they manage to keep things sounding so cohesive. As a six-piece band they manage to balance tendencies to sound big (horns, strings, lots of percussion) while showing restraint and respect for their songs. Moments like “Wandering Eyes,” which starts the new record, have an almost Arcade Fire-ish tenacity to them, but they avoid the mistake of trying to sound overly anthemic. There’s thoughtfulness to these songs, and an overall uplifting aura that engages easily. They have a good grasp on their pop sensibilities which is clear on the snappy “Heartbeat” and “The Glow.” And they’re not afraid to scale it back, and simplify things for impact as they due on the spaciously, gorgeous “Change.”

Kopecky Family Band is really about chemistry. While Gabe Simon and Kelsey Kopecky may be the two voices that front the band, it’s really about how well all six of these players come together. It’s clear that playing together for several years now, and cultivating their sound has paid-off with Kids Raising Kids. This album is an introduction for many folks to the Kopecky Family Band, and it’s a first impression most are happy to make.